Court in Uzbekistan sentences accused of serving in the army of the illegal armed group DPR

A court in Uzbekistan has sentenced Ildar Khairulin, who is accused of serving in the army of the illegal armed group 'Donetsk People's Republic', to five years in prison.

The Uzbek service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

The court ruled that the man took part in the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014-2015.

His relatives, according to the publication, claim that Khairulin did not take part in the war against Ukraine and was in Russia at the time of the accusation.

They reject all charges and evidence against the man and plan to appeal.

Uzbekistan does not recognise the independence of the illegal armed groups DPR and LPR and supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In addition, the Uzbek government has warned its citizens of criminal liability for participation in the war against Ukraine.

Mercenarism is prohibited by Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.